Training system

ABSTRACT

A system permitting simulated firing from any hand held firearm. In particular, the present invention relates to light emitting munitions, being used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm, without any change to either the feel, or the external dimensions of the firearms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system permitting simulated firingfrom any hand held firearm. In particular, the present invention relatesto light emitting munitions, being used as part of a system forregistering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with anyhand-held firearm, without any change to either the feel, or theexternal dimensions of the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has long existed the need for a system whereby a user can trainwith a firearm without placing himself or others at risk of accidentaldischarge of the firearm. This safety imperative coincides with an addeddesire to limit the wear and tear on a firearm brought about byextensive firing during training. This has proven to be especiallyrelevant to those in the law-enforcement field or military personnelrequiring a high degree of firearm practice.

The traditional means of firearm training, whereby a user at a shootingrange fires live ammunition at a target, has proven to have a number ofsignificant drawbacks. The more prevalent of these drawbacks include theabove-mentioned risk of accidental discharge of the user's or others'firearms, the associated dangers of being present near live firetraining, the increasing wear and tear on a firearm as it is used intraining, and the general inconvenience of the shooting range paradigm.As such, there exists the need for an alternative to traditional firearmtraining that will mitigate the above disadvantages while maintainingthe overall benefit of live fire training.

Many “dry-fire” inventions and methods now exist to ensure that usersmay train with their respective firearms without the safety risks andaccompanying deterioration inherent in traditional firearm training. Thepresent invention introduces a new system for achieving a high degree ofsafety and accuracy during training while significantly reducing thewear and tear on a firearm during same.

Various prior art apparatus and methods have been described and reviewedin earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795, US02/0057719, U.S. Pat. No.5,909,951, and European Patent No. EP0467090, which are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795 (hereinafter: “Sweat”) describes theMulti-caliber Laser Firing Cartridge, comprised of a laser projectorwith a mechanical firing pin switch. The laser projector utilizes aconcentric shape recalling that of a bullet. Sweat's innovation lies inthe adjustable settings that allows a single cartridge to be used indifferent caliber weapons. Sweat also teaches a switch unit that allowsa mechanical pulse delay using a specific described mechanism. However,the disclosed invention still has many disadvantages. Sweat dos notteach rim modification that prevents ejection of the cartridge, nor doesSweat describe the use of modulation to carry information. Furthermore,Sweat does not describe a safety interlock. Sweat's module can beactivated by a single pressure switch, leading to a laser radiation in adirection perhaps unintended by the user.

U.S. Patent No. US02/0057719 (hereinafter: “Shechter”) describes animproved system over Sweat's innovation in that Shechter describes a rimdesign that prevents ejection of the bullet. However, Shecter teachesaway from a firing pin switch, instead describing a mechanical wavesensor and/or an acoustic sensor. This is a disadvantage in thatShecter's mechanical wave sensor and/or acoustic sensor is prone tomisfiring when subjected to extraneous vibration or noise, which oftenoccur during simulation training.

European Patent No. 0467090 (hereinafter: “Budmiger”), which was notsubmitted for U.S. patent prosecution, teaches a switch mechanism thatis comprised of a piezoelectric transducer and an independent powersupply. However, Budmiger only claims as novelty a combination of apiezoelectric transducer and a battery as a firing pin impact switch andsuch novelty would appear to be limited to the specific combinationdescribed, leaving other innovations available to the public.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951 (hereinafter: “Johnsen”) teaches the use of amulti-channel laser signal. The signal includes an alignment carrierthat allows a training system to generate aiming feedback as well as apulse that simulates a gunshot when an acoustic sensor detects a triggerrelease. Johnsen does not utilize a firing pin, nor is there a methoddealing with an ejection mechanism. Johnsen's implementation is notlimited to a handgun but can be applied to a rifle and a shotgun aswell. There exists, however, several disadvantages to Johnsen'sapparatus. Despite teaching visible light, Johnsen does not claim theuse of visible light. Rather, Johnsen's claims specifically refer tonon-visible light, modulated to carry information about the state of theweapon (firing or aiming). Johnsen also discloses specific algorithmsand circuitry required to properly simulate the travel delay of aprojectile for more accurate simulations, such specific algorithms andcircuitry not being relevant for a handgun at a range of 25 yards orless. Johnsen's system does not use the case of the embodiment tocomplete an electrical circuit, relying instead on internal circuitry.Finally, the shape of the module in Johnsen is not concentric and doesnot resemble a true bullet.

Thus, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from atleast one of several disadvantages, including, among others, the lack ofa safety interlock and the use of an accident prone mechanicalwave/acoustic sensor. Therefore, the need exists to create a module andsystem whereby the foregoing disadvantages are adequately remedied to aprovide safe and durable “dry-fire” alternative. Furthermore, suchinventions as those described above generally suffer from a generalinability of managing the training arena either on “real time basis” orto record the training parameters for later analysis and debriefingpurposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a training aid and system, which training aidis capable of being manufactured in different sizes for use with anypre-existing handheld firearm. The training aid is designed to eitherreplace a standard ammunition cartridge or a bolt or bolt carrier, foruse during firearm training exercises and preferably bears a strongvisual and physical resemblance to a standard cartridge. The trainingaid of the present invention is comprised of no combustible material andneed not be capable of any physical projection. Rather, the training aidutilizes an illumination source to emit a visible light collinear withthe barrel of the firearm.

The system of the present invention provides managing capabilities ofthe training arena either on “real time basis” or to record the trainingparameters for later analysis and debriefing purposes.

As is the case with any handheld firearm, a user must first “cock” thefirearm loaded with the present invention in order initialize thetraining aid. Cocking is known as the process of displacing the hammerof a firearm to a rearward position, thereby preparing the trigger ofthe weapon for firing. Cocking is generally accomplished in one ofseveral ways, depending on the make and model of a given firearm. Inmany handgun models a user may cock the weapon by manually thumbing backthe hammer of the firearm. In other models, a “slide” is displaced toaft of the firearm. In still other models, such as in double actionhandguns, a rearward displacement of the trigger results in acomplimentary rearward displacement of the hammer. Release of the hammeroccurs when the trigger of the firearm is depressed with the requisiteamount of pressure. Once the firearm has been appropriately cocked, thefirearm thereby becomes ready to be discharged by a rearwarddisplacement of the firearm's trigger.

When the user “pulls the trigger” of the firearm, it causes acomplimentary displacement of the hammer to a forward position, whichhammer hits the weapon's firing pin, thereby displacing the firing pinto hit the firing cap of the chambered cartridge. With a standardcartridge, this causes a chemical reaction whereby the primer is burned,the extreme heat from which burning leads to the bullet being launchedfrom the cartridge at an extremely fast speed. When the training aid ischambered instead of a standard cartridge, the firing pin will hit anactuator located on the rear of the training aid, thereby completing anelectrical circuit. Completion of the electrical circuit releasesillumination from the illuminator in the training aid. The illuminationthen passes through a collimator for readily focusing the illumination.The focused illumination is emitted from the barrel of the firearm andappears for a fixed duration at a point collinear with the firearm'sbarrel.

The foregoing objective, feature, functions and advantages of thepresent invention can be more easily understood upon a thoughtfuldeliberation of the following detailed description of the embodiments ofthe present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention there is provided a training aidinsert including: (a) a power source, an illuminator electricallyattached to the power source, and (c) an actuator electrically attachedto the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of theilluminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a light emitting diode.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a light bulb.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is a laser.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is an “eye safe” laser.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention theactuator further includes a pressure sensitive switch.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the pressuresensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention thepressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the actuatorincludes an energy absorbing material.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention thetraining aid insert further includes a collimator for focusing and/orcollimating illumination passing through the collimator.

According to yet further embodiments of the present invention thecollimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator intoan area of illumination is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the collimatorcollimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area ofillumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters indiameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the powersource includes a capacitor for limiting illumination duration.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid system further includes a time chip for controlling the time ofillumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.01seconds and 1.0 seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates “eye safe” illumination of the illuminator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for substantially 0.25seconds.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chipfacilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.5seconds and 2.0 seconds

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is modulated between 10-100 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator illuminates at any wavelength.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visiblered illumination.

According to further embodiments of the present invention theilluminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visiblegreen illumination.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid insert further includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal iscompatible with any weapon simulation system.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a training aid system including: (a) a handheld firearmincluding a barrel, (b) a training aid insert situated in the barrelincluding: (i) a power source, (ii) an illuminator electrically attachedto the power source, and (iii) an actuator electrically attached to theilluminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator, and(c) an audio apparatus responsive to the training aid insert.

According to further embodiments of the system according to the presentinvention the training aid system includes a wireless transmitter andthe audio apparatus includes a receiver.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the firearmincludes a magazine with an identification chip and the audio apparatusincludes a receiver.

According to still further embodiments of the present invention thetraining aid insert has a concentric shape recalling that of a standardcartridge.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the trainingaid system includes a pneumatic element.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazineincludes a weighted striker for simulating subjective and objectiverecoil.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazinefurther includes a displacer for readily displacing the weighted strikeragainst a striking surface.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the displaceris responsive to an action selected from the group consisting of: thetraining aid system being activated, the actuator being activated, asound from a firing pin, a vibration from the firing pin and the firingpin striking the actuator.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a speaker.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selectedfrom the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired,voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbeddedinstructions in accordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus includes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selectedfrom the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired,voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbeddedinstructions in accordance to a training scenario.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the audioapparatus further includes a processing unit.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the processingunit is a computer.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the computeris interfaced to a signal from the training aid system.

According to further embodiments of the present invention the signalreceived by the computers is fully interfaced with any on-line orweb-based software running on the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the training aidinsert in a firearm; and

FIG. 2 is schematic view of the training aid system according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a training aid insert 10preferably including at least one hollow attachment 12. For the purposeof enhancing safety of the any user, trainer, fellow officers, rangeoccupants and the like, training aid insert 10 is attached to, orintegrally formed with a coupling element 14 for readily attaching avariety of hollow attachments 12 to training aid insert 10.Alternatively, other training aid inserts 10 can be used, including butnot limited to, a bolt carrier training insert or a bolt traininginsert.

Preferably, coupling element 14 is selected from the group consistingof: a quick coupling, a tapped portion 16 of training aid insert 10, ascrew-on portion of training aid insert 10 a magnetic coupling, anelectromagnetic, and a snap-on attachment.

As shown, hollow attachments 12 includes

at least one extension 18 attached to, or integrally formed with hollowattachment 12 to readily extend hollow attachment 12 to fit any firearmbarrel length.

Preferably, hollow extension 18 is attached to hollow attachment 12 byway of a readily connectable coupling 20.

Optionally coupling 20 is selected from the group consisting of: a quickcoupling, a tapped portion of hollow attachment 12, a screw-on portionof hollow attachment 12 and a snap-on attachment.

Preferably, hollow attachments 12 are readily attachable to anddetachable from training aid insert 10 subsequent to training aid insert10 being chambered in any firearm thereby preferably alleviating theneed to “field strip” the firearm both prior and after to using trainingaid insert 10.

Preferably, when using a firearm with training insert 10, a collet 22 isattached to or integrally formed with hollow extension 12.

Preferably, collet 22 protrudes from any firearm being used such thatusers, trainers, fellow officers, range occupants and the like canreadily discern the firearm is chambered with training aid insert 10 andthus rendered safer.

Preferably, collet 22 has a bright color which is readily visible by anyonlooker. More preferably, collet 22 is colored in a color known in theart as “safety orange” and as is commonly used by hunters and fieldgoing individuals.

Preferably, an aperture 24 is formed in collet 22 for readilyfacilitating illumination from training aid insert 10 to pass throughcollet 22 and onto any intended target. Preferably, an actuator 26 isprovided for being struck be a firing pin of a firearm thereby bringingabout an illumination of training aid insert 10.

Preferably, training aid insert 10 has a concentric shape recalling thatof a firearm cartridge 28.

Preferably, training aid insert 10 includes an illuminator which isselected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (“LED”), abulb of such desired shape and size so as to fit within the physicalcontours of training aid insert 10, is a laser diode for readilyemitting coherent electro-magnetic radiation.

Preferably, the illuminator can produce illumination of visible light,IR, and/or UV illumination.

Optionally, actuator 26 is constructed of a crystalline. Optionally,actuator 26 is constructed of at least one crystalline formation, suchthat application of mechanical stress and/or pressure on actuator 26generates sufficient electric current to power the illuminator.

Alternatively, actuator 26 is constructed of a non-conducting crystal,such that electricity and/or electric polarity is produced when thenon-conducting crystal is subjected to pressure or strain.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a training aid system 30 including a firstfirearm 32. First firearm 32 includes a first magazine 34 for simulatinglive fire with first firearm 32.

Preferably, first magazine 34 is readily accommodated in first firearm32 and is inserted into magazine well 36 formed in first firearm 32.

Preferably, first magazine 34 includes a recoil simulator 38 which caninclude, by way of example only, a pneumatic recoil simulator, asolenoid recoil simulator, an electrical recoil simulator or amechanical recoil simulator.

Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is geared towards simulating subjectiveand objective recoil.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that recoil simulator 38 can be situatedin a wide range of locations in first firearm 32 including, but notlimited to, a bolt, a bolt carrier, frame, stocks, grips and/or carryinghandle.

As used herein the term “objective recoil” includes but is not limitedto the backwards displacement of a firearm by the conservation ofmomentum on emission of a projectile from the firearm, the rebounding ofa firearm after the firearm has been fired.

As used herein the term “subjective recoil” includes but is not limitedto the “flip” of a muzzle on a firearm after being fired and/or the felttorque of the firearm due to contrary forces being applied while aprojectile travels down a rifled barrel and/or the slap the user feelsand/or recoil impulse the user feels when firing a firearm.

Thus, recoil simulator 38 preferably simulates recoil with sufficientenergy and or momentum to simulate subjective recoil and/or objectiverecoil of any cartridge known in the art.

Optionally, recoil simulator 38 can be attached to, or integrally formedwith or within training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.

Optionally, first magazine 34 includes at least one power source 40 forpowering recoil simulator 38 and/or training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.

Optionally, power source 40 can be used to provide power to anyaccessory or apparatus of first firearm 32.

Preferably, first firearm 32 includes a first breach 42 and a firstbarrel 44 wherein first barrel 44 and/or first breach 42 include atraining aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.

Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is responsive to training aid insert 10being activated and/or sound and/or vibration from first firearm 32and/or recoil simulator 38.

Optionally, first magazine 34 includes a signal booster 46 and atransmitter 48 for readily transmitting signals to an audio apparatus 50and/or a processing unit 52.

Optionally, first magazine 34 includes an audio element 53 forsimulating the sounds of a weapon firing and/or any other use forproducing an audio sound conducive to the training scenario, includingbut not limited to, CB, Communications, Personnel, CO orders and thelike.

Optionally, first magazine 34 includes an identification chip 54 forreadily transmitting a signal from first magazine 34 to any receiver.

Preferably, identification chip 54 readily transmits a signalsubstantially contemporaneously with every illumination of training aidinsert 10.

Alternatively, identification chip 54 is attached to or integrallyformed with or within training aid insert 10.

Preferably, identification chip 54 is capable of transmitting any typeof signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in the art,including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way of exampleonly identification chip 54 readily facilitates transmitting any signalindicative of simulating any weapon type.

Preferably, identification chip 54 is capable of transmitting any signalindicative of simulating any specific firearm.

Preferably, training aid system 30 includes a second firearm 56. Secondfirearm 56 includes a second magazine 58 for simulating live fire withsecond firearm 56.

Preferably, second magazine 58 is readily accommodated in second firearm56 and is inserted into second magazine well 57 formed in second firearm56.

Preferably, second magazine 58 includes a recoil simulator 38 which caninclude, by way of example only, a pneumatic recoil simulator, asolenoid recoil simulator, an electrical recoil simulator or amechanical recoil simulator.

Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is geared towards simulating subjectiveand objective recoil.

Second firearm 56 includes a second breach 59 and a second barrel 61wherein second barrel 61 and/or second breach 59 include a training aidinsert 10 of FIG. 1

Preferably, any illumination of training aid insert 10 is recorded andtransmitted to processing unit 52.

As shown in FIG. 2 audio apparatus 50 preferably includes a speaker 60including a speaker receiver 62, is responsive to signals fromtransmitter 48.

Optionally, speaker 60 can be attached to, or integrally formed with anyprocessing unit, including, but not limited to a computer 64.

By way of example only, it is envisaged that the use of either anyreceiver or any transmitter can be replaced by an appropriatetransceiver.

Preferably, signals from training aid insert 10 received by computer 64are fully interfaced with any software running on computer 64.

More preferably, signals from training aid insert 10 received bycomputer 64 are fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based softwarerunning on computer 64 including, but not limited to, any Role PlayingGame (RPG).

Preferably, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) module 66 isattached to first firearm 32 for readily providing identification andlocation data.

Alternatively, RFID module 66 is attached to, or integrally formed withor within training aid insert 10 for readily providing identificationand location data.

Preferably, training aid system 30 includes at least one headphone set68 to be worn by a user during training sessions. By way of exampleonly, the user can be a team leader, platoon leader, Training Officerand the like.

Preferably, headphone set 68 is responsive to signals from transmitter48 and/or RFID module 66 and/or processing unit 52 and/or training aidinsert 10.

Preferably, speaker 60 and/or headphones 68 are geared towardssimulating the sounds of the any specific firearm being fired and/orvoicing instructions by a human instructor or voicing imbeddedinstructions in accordance to the training scenario being performed.

Preferably, headphones 68 include an autonomous power source 70.Preferably, headphones 68 include an activator 72 for readilycontrolling the mode of use of headphones 68 between regular mode,active mode, training mode, simulation mode and combat mode.

Preferably headphones 68 include a transceiver module 74 for readilycommunicating with identification chip 54 and/or magazine transmitter 48and/or RFID module 66 and/or processing unit 52 and/or training aidinsert 10.

As used herein, the term “transmitter” includes, but is not limited to,a RF transmitter, an IR source, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.

As used herein, the term “receiver” includes, but is not limited to, aRF receiver, an IR module, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.

Preferably headphones 68 include a Heads Up Display (HUD) 76 for readilyfacilitating the user to control their surroundings and environments. Awide variety of reticles and General User Interfaces (GUI's) areenvisaged for providing two dimensional and there dimensional images oftargets, surroundings, structures, placement and vector of friendlyand/or hostile forces.

A controller screen 78 is preferably responsive to processing unit 52,thereby facilitating viewing any and all activity of any user and anyfirearm either “real time”, projected, simulated or recorded fordebriefing purposes.

Preferably, HUD 76 includes a reticle 80 selected from the groupconsisting of: a crosshair reticle, a square reticle, a gradientreticle, a circle dot reticle, a dot reticle, a German reticle, aTactical Milling reticle (TMR), a Mil. Dot reticle, a Duplex reticle, aBoone & Crocket reticle, a varmint hunter's reticle, a wide Duplexreticle, a post reticle, a CPC reticle, a target dot reticle, a rangefinder reticle and a three dimensional reticle. Preferably, controllerscreen 78 includes an accurate representation of reticle 80.

Preferably, the user has a graphic representation on HUD 76 and/orcontroller screen 78 of all RFID modules 66 represented a non-hostiletargets (friend) 82. Preferably, the user also has a graphicalrepresentation of all hostile targets (foe) 84.

Each user is preferably provided with a personal target 86 whichpersonal target is preferably wearable and responsive to illuminationfrom training aid insert 10. As explained hereinabove, preferably, eachtraining aid insert 10 illuminates with a specific illumination therebyreadily recognizable as originating from any specific weapon. Target 86preferably includes a target transceiver 88 and an audio/physicalindicator 90 responsive to target 86 being illuminated.

Pursuant to target 86 being illuminated by any specific training aidinsert 10, target transceiver 88 transmits to processing unit 52 allrelevant data, including but not limited to, identity of training aidinsert “fired”, location of user in relation to other users and locationof impact of illumination.

Preferably, thereafter, processing unit 52 ascertains the nature of theuser injury and transmits the nature of the injury to headphones 68and/or HUD 76 and/or audio/physical indicator 90 which can either“buzz”, light up, disable the firearm or vibrate to indicate to the userthat they are either injured or proclaimed “dead”.

Thus, readily controlling an entire arena is envisaged wherein the usercan see through HUD 76 all hostile and non-hostile targets (Friend orFoe).

Furthermore, the user can transmit the arena to the remote controllerscreen 78 and receive “real time” orders from their supervisors.

Further still, the entire sortie can be recorded and played back lateron controller screen 78 and/or while debriefing.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that processing unit can simulate anyenvironment to be shown on HUD 76 for training purposes, such that auser can train or practice any location and any scenario or location ofeither friendly targets 82 or foe targets 84.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that Relative Location Positioning can beperformed between RFID modules 66 and/or transmitters 48.

Furthermore, the use of RFID modules 66 can assist in weapon retrieval;and personnel location during training, practice or even combatscenarios.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that usage of training system 30 canprovide real time and recorded debriefing capabilities of anycombination of data derived from personnel position and movements,firearm activation, target “hits” and identity of shooter and arenalevel control.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to onlyserve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A training aid system comprising: (a) a training aid insertincluding: (i) a power source; (ii) an illuminator electrically attachedto said power source; and (iii) an actuator electrically attached tosaid illuminator for readily controlling illumination of saidilluminator; and (b) a firearm for readily accommodating and activatingsaid training aid insert.
 2. The training aid system of claim 1, whereinthe training aid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standardcartridge.
 3. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein saidilluminator is a light emitting diode.
 4. The training aid system ofclaim 1, wherein said illuminator is a laser.
 5. The actuator of claim1, further comprising a pressure sensitive switch.
 6. The pressuresensitive switch of claim 5, wherein said pressure sensitive switch isconstructed of electrically conductive material.
 7. The pressuresensitive switch of claim 5, wherein pressure sensitive switch simulatesa firearm primer.
 8. The actuator of claim 1, wherein said actuatorincludes an energy absorbing material.
 9. The training aid system ofclaim 1, wherein said collimator collimates illumination passing throughsaid collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards. 10.The training aid system of claim 1, further comprising a time chip forcontrolling the time of illumination of said illuminator.
 11. Thetraining aid system of claim 10, wherein said time chip facilitatesillumination of said illuminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and1.0 seconds.
 12. The training aid system of claim 10, wherein said timechip facilitates “eye safe” illumination of said illuminator.
 13. Thetraining aid system of claim 10, wherein said time chip facilitatesillumination of said illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.
 14. Thetraining aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is modulatedbetween 10-100 Khz.
 15. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein saidilluminator illuminates at any wavelength.
 16. The training aid systemof claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates substantially at awavelength producing visible red illumination or producing visible greenillumination.
 17. The training aid system of claim 1, further comprisinga transmitter for transmitting a signal.
 18. The training aid system ofclaim 17, wherein said signal is compatible with any weapon simulationsystem.
 19. A training aid system comprising: (a) a handheld firearmincluding a barrel; (b) a training aid system situated in said barrelincluding: (i) a power source; (ii) an illuminator electrically attachedto said power source; and (iii) an actuator electrically attached tosaid illuminator for readily controlling illumination of saidilluminator; and (c) an audio apparatus responsive to said training aidsystem.
 20. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said trainingaid system includes a wireless transmitter and said audio apparatusincludes a receiver.
 21. The training aid system of claim 19, whereinsaid firearm includes a magazine with an identification chip and saidaudio apparatus includes a receiver.
 22. The training aid system ofclaim 19, wherein said training aid insert has a concentric shaperecalling that of a standard cartridge.
 23. The training aid system ofclaim 19, wherein said training aid insert includes an element selectedfrom the group consisting of: a pneumatic element, a mechanical elementand electronic.
 24. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein saidapparatus audio apparatus further includes a speaker for simulating asound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearmbeing fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicingimbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.
 25. Thetraining aid system of claim 19, wherein said audio apparatus furtherincludes a processing unit.
 26. The training aid system of claim 25,wherein said processing unit is interfaced to a signal from saidtraining aid insert.
 27. The training aid system of claim 25, whereinsaid signal received by said processing units is fully interfaced on anyon-line or web-based software running on said computer.